I do have a bit of a thing about basing and I’ve been scratching my head trying to work out the best way to base figures for this project. I’m currently thinking that I will go with the system shown here with two figures on a 40mm x 30mm base. Groups of bases will then represent a commando for the Boers and companies/battalions for the British. The Boers will be allowed to space out into extended order but the British will have to stay in base to base contact.I did think about taking a more old school approach by putting the British in close order (perhaps on bases similar to my Hinton Hunt Napoleonic’s) and having the Boers on individual round bases but I quite like what I’ve come up with – for now anyway. The bases will also have some scenic additions with rocks etc. and the size chosen will enable me to place a few lying down firing figures (Jacklex do a nice one).
The Boers shown here are Jacklex and they actually look quite good now based up. I’m not sure if I will lose the gloss finish or not, probably but I’ll see. As you know I’ve been in two minds about which figures to use for this project but it occurred to me that there’s no reason why I can’t use both Newline and Jacklex as long as I select figures of compatible size and don’t mix them within units. That way I get the best of both worlds.
Could you put a 'Join' gadget on this site to help me remember it please , Tony
ReplyDeleteTony, your wish is my command!
ReplyDeleteIt depends upon the game size and battalion size. 24 makes a nice battalion, but in single line on the 40 mm frontage, two to a base it would take up 48cm which is about 18 inches . I think 20 mm frontage works for the Boers, but that the British need to ne on 15 mm as they definitely need to look closer together. That is why I like the idea of 6cm bases with four figures on them for Brits. Then a battalion takes up 36cm or about fifteen inches which gets four battalions frontage in an a frontal attack. I tried putting the Brits in two figures deep and it looks too Napoleonic and columnar.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of battalion size units being anywhere between 8-12 stands, casualties would be in whole stands. Even in the early battles the British did operate in extended order so I think a loose formation is realistic. I was thinking that a 12 stand battalion would be deployed in two ranks but spaced about 6" apart which would not look Napoleonic. This would give a frontage of about 10". I'll try one and see what it looks like!
DeleteThey are looking real good. I think the Jacklex and Newline could work together.
ReplyDeleteYes I think so too as long as I don't mix them in the same units. The Jacklex are fun and their British are more suitable for Boer War than Newline. However I do like the Newline Boers and British cavalry.
DeleteHave a look at Raventhorpe. I had them send me a sample Boer and, he fits in with my Jackleg and he is a really nice figure. I will also try them for cavalry as I really want a unit of Imperial Light Horse! Raventhorpe do separate heads which means that other cavalry figures can be used with a head swap. As most Boer War cavalry are in jodphurs and long skirted Jackets I am hopeful of getting others, for example the Italian WW2 cavalry to work.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to get a couple of pom-poms from Raventhorpe but I'll also get some sample Boers & British - I'm hopeful for the British!
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